Introduction
The 2013 romantic drama “Safe Haven” is based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. The movie stars Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel as two people who find love and healing in a small town in North Carolina. While the story of “Safe Haven” is captivating, the stunning landscapes and charming towns used as the backdrop of the movie add an extra layer of beauty and authenticity.
This article will explore the filming locations for “Safe Haven,” from the scenic landscapes to behind-the-scenes looks of the towns used in the movie. Additionally, we’ll take a closer look at how the filming locations enhanced the storytelling in “Safe Haven.”
Exploring the Scenic Landscapes Where “Safe Haven” Was Filmed
The majority of the filming for “Safe Haven” took place in North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Film Office, the production team spent time in both Southport and Wilmington, NC. Southport is a coastal town located along the Cape Fear River with a population of around 3,000. Wilmington is located farther inland, but it’s also situated along the Cape Fear River and offers a unique blend of modern city life and small-town charm.
North Carolina Locations
The North Carolina locations used in “Safe Haven” were carefully chosen to provide the perfect backdrop for the movie. The film crew spent time in several different areas of the state, including Southport, Wilmington, and other rural areas. According to the North Carolina Film Office, the production team chose these locations because of their “natural beauty and relative seclusion.”
Southport, NC
Southport was the primary filming location for “Safe Haven.” It’s a quaint coastal town with a rich maritime history, which made it the ideal setting for a romantic drama. Some of the most well-known scenes from the movie were filmed in Southport, including the beach scene where Katie (Julianne Hough) first meets Alex (Josh Duhamel).
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington is the largest city in North Carolina and it served as the main hub for the filming of “Safe Haven.” The production team spent time in various areas throughout the city, including the historic downtown district. The crew also used the Wilmington Riverwalk for some of the movie’s outdoor scenes.
Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Filming Locations for “Safe Haven”
The scenes in “Safe Haven” were shot on location in North Carolina, providing viewers with a glimpse into the natural beauty of the area. Here’s a closer look at some of the places the production team visited during filming:
Touring the North Carolina Locations Used in “Safe Haven”
The production team spent time touring the various locations used in “Safe Haven,” including Southport and Wilmington. They also visited several other cities in North Carolina, such as Charlotte, Asheville, and Winston-Salem. According to the North Carolina Film Office, the production team “searched for the perfect combination of scenery and atmosphere that would bring the story to life.”
Visiting the Wilmington, NC Shooting Locations for “Safe Haven”
The production team spent a significant amount of time in Wilmington, using the city’s historic district and surrounding areas as backdrops for many of the movie’s scenes. They also visited nearby Wrightsville Beach, which is renowned for its white sand beaches and tranquil waters. These locations provided the perfect backdrop for the romantic scenes between Katie and Alex.
How the Filming Locations Enhanced the Storytelling in “Safe Haven”
The filming locations used in “Safe Haven” played an essential role in creating the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Here’s a look at how the production team used the various locations to help tell the story:
Setting the Mood
The production team used the various locations to create the perfect mood for each scene. The coastal towns like Southport and Wilmington provided a sense of tranquility, while the more rural areas conveyed a feeling of isolation. According to production designer David Lazan, the goal was to “capture the essence of the story and capture the emotion of the characters.”
Creating the Characters
The production team also used the locations to help create the characters in the movie. For example, Southport was used to convey the small-town charm and peacefulness that Katie was seeking, while Wilmington was used to show the hustle and bustle of city life that Alex was accustomed to. According to director Lasse Hallström, the locations were integral in “creating the world for the characters to inhabit.”
Showcasing the Location
The filmmakers also wanted to showcase the natural beauty of North Carolina. According to cinematographer Terry Stacey, the goal was to “showcase the beautiful landscape of the region and the incredible coastline that it has to offer.” The production team used the various locations to show off the unique beauty of the area, from the sandy beaches to the lush forests.
Conclusion
The filming locations used in “Safe Haven” played an essential role in helping to tell the story. From the scenic landscapes to the charming towns, the production team chose each location carefully to create the perfect atmosphere for each scene. The locations also helped to create the characters and showcase the beauty of North Carolina. In the end, the filming locations helped to make “Safe Haven” the captivating and romantic movie that it is.
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